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“I understand,” Alexis said. “But I loved the way you styled my hair.”

“You’ll be fine,” CeCe said with a wink.

Melanie laughed. “That sounds just like how you reassured the nameless diva that day, Alexis. I guess it’s similar to you not operating on family.”

“Oh no. I’m not comparing what I do with Alexis's skill,” CeCe said earnestly.

“What you do is important, too, CeCe,” Alexis said.

“I agree,” Melanie added. “You boost mental health and that’s just as important.”

CeCe sat back in her chair and smiled at them both. “Thank you.”

“So…” Melanie looked from CeCe to Alexis with a devilish smile. “It’s a good thing you have another stylist because you’d be losing this one anyway. Lovers Landing will work its magic on you tonight. You’ll see.”

CeCe and Alexis stared at each other for a moment with soft smiles on both their faces.

“Then again, I don’t think you’ll need any magic,” Melanie observed.

“Hey,” CeCe said, pulling her eyes away from Alexis. “Where’s Krista? She’s doing all right, isn’t she?”

“Yes. I wasn’t sure what time you’d be arriving so I made her stay home and rest,” Melanie explained. “Let’s go check on my love. It’s a beautiful day for a fruity drink by the water.”

“That’s exactly what Alexis said when we got out of the car,” CeCe said.

“Come on, we’ll take the golf cart. I’ll bring you back to get your car later.” Melanie took them out the door that led from the restaurant to a deck that overlooked the lake. A golf cart was parked next to the stairs and they all got in.

“Krista and I live on the edge of the property in a cute little cabin that’s perfect for us. We’re putting you two in our favorite cabin,” Melanie said as she drove them through a wooded area with views of the lake on their left.

“It’s so beautiful. I wouldn’t ever leave here if…” CeCe said quietly, gazing over at the water with a dreamy smile on her face.

“If what?” Melanie asked, looking back at CeCe.

“Oh—uh, you heard that,” CeCe said, stumbling over her words.

Alexis turned around from the front seat and laid her hand on CeCe’s knee. “Come on, you can’t leave us wondering.”

CeCe paused for a moment as Alexis squeezed her leg gently. “I’d never leave here if I had my…love here with me.”

“Why would you? Now you know why Krista and I only go to town when we have to,” Melanie said, keeping her eyes on the trail as they wound through the trees.

Alexis smiled at CeCe, but CeCe couldn’t read the look in her eyes. Her face softened and her brown eyes were like decadent liquid chocolate shimmering at CeCe. Does Alexis have any idea how much I love chocolate! When Alexis turned back around, CeCe let out a shaky breath. Maybe Melanie was right; there must have been some kind of magic at that lake and in those woods.

Melanie pulled the golf cart around to the back of a cabin that sat near the water. It was nestled among a group of mature trees, but had a direct view of the lake where a small beach was visible.

“Oh my God, Melanie,” Alexis said when she stopped the golf cart. “This is amazing.”

“Thanks. We love it here.”

“Hey!” Krista waved from a chaise lounge on the patio. “There’s my doctor and new favorite friend.”

“Favorite friend?” CeCe scoffed.

“Yes! I’ve been talking about you and your sisters all week. Haven’t I, babe?” Krista said as they all walked over to her.

“She has. We love the Sloan sisters and don’t see them often enough,” Melanie said. “Let’s go inside. While Alexis is examining Krista, CeCe and I will make drinks we can enjoy by the water.”

“Oh, honey. That sounds perfect,” Krista replied.